Summer fun for kids in Lakeland forests (From The Westmorland Gazette)
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Summer fun for kids in Lakeland forests
6:15pm Sunday 19th August 2012 in News
Cumbria's Forestry Commission has announced a series of summer events designed to get kids out into Grizedale and Whinlatter Forests and back in touch with nature.
It aims to encourage children to rediscover outdoor play and adventure in the Lake District’s forests which are filled with walking routes, mountain bike trails, high-wire courses, and play areas.
Events range from craft activities and forest games, to learning practical skills like basic bushcraft, and energetic forest Olympic events to keep them happy and active.
There is also a chance to spend an evening in the forest and learn how to use a bat detector to see what’s flying around the woods at night, as part of European bat weekend.
The National Trust’s ‘Natural Childhood’ report earlier this year said children’s relationship with the outdoors was in dramatic decline and urged immediate action to tackle ‘nature deficit disorder.’
Sarah Bruce from the Forestry Commission said: “Cumbria’s forests are fantastic places to learn, explore and exercise and generally have fun in a green and safe environment.
“Getting outdoors and immersing themselves in the natural world has so many benefits for children – it keeps them fit, it’s fun and it boosts their mental well-being.”
The forests are also full of wonderful wildlife, with red deer and the recently reintroduced red kites at Grizedale, and red squirrels at Whinlatter, which is also home of the Lake District Osprey Project.
Grizedale’s ‘Clockwork Forest’ installations are popular with children, and take the form of large clockwork keys, which when turned trigger the playing of recorded musical compositions hidden within the undergrowth.
Children can also visit Whinlatter WildPlay which has nine different play zones linked by a 600m trail including a mini-climbing wall, water features, tyre swing and secret path.
For more information about the events visit www.visitlakelandforests.co.uk
